The Supreme winner, the 5 category winners and the Rising Star Award for the Wellington region for 2015 have been announced.

Wellington Community Trust provided awards totalling $42,500. Further awards were provided by Wellington Airport.

Supreme winner

Earthlink Incorporated

With a focus on social, environmental and economic sustainability, Earthlink supports clients coping with mental health or addiction on their pathway towards sustainable employment. Initiatives include training programmes, recycling and horticulture services, a second hand shop, curtain bank and a clothing line created from up-cycled corporate apparel.

WCT Award: $2,500

Earthlink will represent the Wellington region at the Trustpower National Community Awards. The awards are being held in Dunedin on 16 and 17 March 2016.

Earthlink Incorporated

Trustpower National Community Awards on Facebook

Category winners

Health & Wellbeing – Little Sprouts Charitable Trust

Little Sprouts is dedicated to ensuring that all babies get the best start in life. They give away free life-changing packs full of everything a baby needs at birth, plus additional health and safety items, to vulnerable babies and their families. Over 200 packs worth over $250,000 were distributed this year, and new branches established in Auckland and Christchurch.

WCT Award: $1,000

Little Sprouts Charitable Trust

Arts & Culture – Expressions Arts & Entertainment Centre 

Expressions Whirinaki offers a varied programme of special events, exhibitions, concerts and shows, and community activities throughout year with the help and support from a team of great volunteers.

WCT Award: $1,000

Expressions Arts & Entertainment Centre

Sport & Leisure – New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils for the NZ Community Football Cup

The New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils is a non-government umbrella organisation for the ethnic communities of New Zealand. The New Zealand Communities Football Cup, developed by the NZ Police, is a national tournament providing an opportunity for positive community interaction that is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.

WCT Award: $1,000

NZ Federation of Multicultural Councils

Educational & Child/Youth Development – Virtuoso Strings Charitable Trust

Virtuoso Strings Charitable Trust provides free musical tuition and instruments to children in socially or economically disadvantaged communities and runs a string orchestra for students.

WCT Award: $1,000

Virtuoso Strings

Heritage & Environment – Earthlink Incorporated

WCT Award: $1,000

Rising Star Award

The Shed Project

The Shed Project provides educational and social opportunities for young adults who have an intellectual disability, or who have exited the state education system. It offers NZQA-accredited education courses and hands-on vocational training in woodwork, craft work and toy making, along with recreational and social events.

WCT Award: $1,000

The Shed Project

Regional winners

Special ceremonies were held around the Wellington region to honour the local winners.

Award amounts are those given by Wellington Community Trust.